Floor tile structure and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A lattice of support surfaces are used to support substantially the perimeter of a construction tile. The support surface is made integral with a decorative border. Linear railways attach orthogonally to other railways to form the lattice. Tiles are set into the lattice providing a warmer installation relative to installation over concrete tile foundation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of applicationSer. No. 10/612,558 filed Jul. 2, 2003 for TILE INSTALLATION FIXTURE,which application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.10/428,319 filed on Apr. 29, 2003 entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FORFLOATING INSTALLATION OF TILES, by Poliacek, currently pending for whichthe priority date for this application is hereby claimed and whichapplications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to tile and masonry installation, andspecifically to a method and framework for installing tiles.

2. Description of the Related Art

The building industry has long used various types of tiles inconstruction projects. Tiles come in many forms and are manufacturedfrom various types of materials, in a wide variety of colors and surfacetextures. For example, ceramic tile is often used in bathroomapplications. Marble tile is often used for flooring and otherdecorative applications.

Better techniques for installation of tiles have evolved over time. Infact, many patents that describe installation techniques have beengranted. Most of these evolutions in tile installation techniques havebeen developed in response to the inadequacy of former installationmethods. One common problem with installation of any tile is the factthat individual tiles need to be aligned relative one to another. Inresponse to this problem, prior art methods for installation of tileinclude methods where spacers are introducing between individual tilesin order to ensure uniform tile installation. In fact, all of the knownart addresses this major problem. Various techniques for theinstallation of tile spacers have been devised including the use of apre-fabricated lattice that can be placed on an installation surface.Once the pre-fabricated lattice is installed, individual tiles may besecured into the lattice resulting in a clean, uniform installation. Ofcourse, all of these prior art methods require the use of a mortar inorder to secure an individual tile to the installation surface.Additional mortar (i.e. “grout”) is then used to fill the interspatialgap in between individual tiles.

These prior art methods fail to address some other major problemsassociated with the installation of tile in typical constructionapplications. One such problem is the need to easily replace anindividual tile if it where to be inadvertently damaged. Yet anotherproblem is that all known tile installation techniques apply anindividual tile to a installation surface that is, in many cases, a coldconcrete slab. Hence, a tile floor constructed according to conventionalwisdom results in a cold, heat-sunk surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As already introduced in the incorporated reference, the presentinvention is a method for installing tiles in floating manner above thefloor. The method comprises providing a support within the footprint ofand proximate to the outer perimeter of a tile. A first border isprovided along one edge of the tile and a second border is providedalong the second edge of the tile wherein the two edges aresubstantially orthogonal to each other. The present method is furtherdistinguished by the provision of maintaining the first border in placerelative to the second border.

In order to maintain the position of the first border relative to thesecond border, one alternative method provides for connecting a firstend of the first border to a cross-tie. Then, a second border isorthogonally connected to the cross-tie. According to the method, thefirst border is maintained in position relative to the second border bymating a first connector of a first type that is associated with thefirst border to second connector of a second type that associated withthe second border.

In order to provide a generally pleasing aesthetic appearance, a fasciais provided between the first border and the second border. According toan exemplary method, the fascia is provided by extending the firstborder to a tapered transition line and also extending the second borderto the same tapered transition line.

The present invention also comprises a tile installation fixturecomprising a support rail, a border and a first connector substantiallyat one end of the support rail. According to one alternative embodiment,the first connector comprises a connector that is compatible with across-tie. According to one alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, the border extends beyond the support rail. According to yetanother example, this extension of the border continues to an imaginarytapered extension line that extends outward and away from the end of thesupport rail. The support rail itself, according to an exemplaryembodiment, comprises a ledge that runs along the border and that islower in elevation than the border. The installation fixture bordercomprises a raised surface that runs along the support rail.

According to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the invention, thefirst connector comprises a right-angle connector of a first type.According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the tile installationfixture further comprises a second right-angle connector of a secondtype. This second type connector is complementary to the first type soas to enable the two connectors to mate. When so mated, the support railand border of a first tile installation fixture is set substantiallyorthogonal to the support rail and border of a second tile installationfixture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects are better understood from the following detaileddescription of one embodiment of the invention with reference to thedrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is flow diagram that depicts an exemplary method for installing afloor tile according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram that depicts an exemplary method formaintaining the position of a second border relative to a first borderaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative method formaintaining the position of a second border relative to a first borderaccording to the present invention;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are a top of view and a perspective view, respectively, ofa tile installation fixture that implements one alternative method ofthe present invention for connecting borders orthogonal to each other bymeans of a cross-tie;

FIG. 6 is a pictorial representation that depicts a connection of afirst border and a second border as facilitated by the use of across-tie according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram that depicts the underside of onealternative embodiment of a tile installation fixture comprising a firstconnector type according to the teachings of the present method;

FIG. 8 is a perspective diagram that depicts the direct connection of afirst tile installation fixture to a second tile installation fixtureaccording to the teachings of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view depicting the direct attachment of a firstborder to a second border by means of complementary connectors.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodimentsof the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms inwhich the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. Thedescription sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps forconstructing and operating the invention in connection with theillustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the sameor equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by differentembodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spiritand scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is flow diagram that depicts an exemplary method for installing afloor tile according to the present invention. A tile support isprovided (step 5) within the footprint of the tile generally proximateto the outer perimeter of the tile. Once the support has been provided,a first border is provided along a first edge of the tile (step 10).Generally, this border is collinear to the support. Once the firstborder is provided, a second border is provided along a second edge ofthe tile. This second edge of the tile is substantially orthogonal tothe first edge. However, the tile need not be rectangular. Hence,additional variations of this method may provide a second border at someother angle relative to the first border. In order to ensure a secureinstallation of the tile, one example of alternative method of thepresent invention provides for maintaining the position of the firstborder relative to the position of the second border (step 20).

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram that depicts an exemplary method formaintaining the position of a second border relative to a first borderaccording to the present invention. According to one alternative method,maintaining the position of the first border relative to the secondborder is accomplished by connecting a first end of the first border toa cross-tie (step 25). A first end of the second border is also attachedto the cross-tie (step 30). Typically, the second border is attached tothe cross-tie in a manner that renders it orthogonal to the firstborder.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative method formaintaining the position of a second border relative to a first borderaccording to the present invention. According to one alternative method,a first end of the first border is directly attached to a first end ofthe second border. And according to yet another alternative method, thisis accomplished by providing a first connector at the first end of thefirst border (step 35) and a second connector at the first end of thesecond border (step 40) wherein the first connector provided on thefirst border is complementary to the second connector provided on thesecond border. The two connectors are then connected (step 45) resultingin securing the position of the second border relative to the firstborder, typically in orthogonal manner.

According to one alternative method of the present invention, a fasciais provided between the first border and the second border. According toan exemplary method, the fascia is provided by extending the firstborder to taper transition line content extending the second border tothe same taper transition line. According to another exemplary method ofthe present invention, providing a support within the footprint of thetile comprises providing a ledge along the first border. According toyet another variation of the present method, providing a border alongthe tile comprises providing a raised surface along the support ledge.The reader is encouraged to review the incorporated reference forfurther clarification on this exemplary method of providing either aledge and/or a border along an edge of a tile.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are a top of view and a perspective view of a tileinstallation fixture that implements one alternative method of thepresent invention for connecting borders orthogonal to each other bymeans of a cross-tie. According to this exemplary embodiment, a tileinstallation fixture comprises a support rail 60 and a border 65disposed collinearly to the support rail 60. The tile installationfixture further comprises a connector 80 at one end. According to anexemplary embodiment, connector 80 is compatible with a cross-tie. Itshould be noted that, according to one alternative embodiment supportrail 60 comprises a ledge 61 that runs along border 65 wherein ledge 61is lower in elevation than border. According to yet another alternativeembodiment, border 65 comprises a raised surface that runs along supportrail 60.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,border 65 is extended outward beyond the support rail 60 as generallyshown by extensions 85 in FIG. 5. Extension 85 continues to an imaginarytapered extension line 90. This same treatment, including the connectorand border extension, may be provided on both ends of the tileinstallation fixture according to yet another alternative embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 6 is a pictorial representation that depicts a connection of afirst border and a second border as facilitated by the use of across-tie according to the present invention. According to oneillustrated use case, a first tile installation fixture 120 is connectedto a cross tie 100 by means of a connector 80 comprising one end of thefirst tile installation fixture 120. A second tile installation fixture130, also including a connector 80 at one end, is connected to the samecross-tie 100. The cross-tie 100, according to an exemplary embodiment,comprises a plurality of tile installation picture connectors. Accordingto this embodiment, at least two such connectors (105 and 110) comprisethe cross-tie 100. These connectors, comprise tongue and grooveconnectors that are complementary to tongue and groove connectors 80comprising the tile installation fixtures. Note, that according to thisembodiment, the fascia 150 provided between the two borders comprisesextensions of these two borders to an imaginary tapered line 90.

FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram that depicts the underside of onealternative embodiment of a tile installation fixture comprising a firstconnector type according to the teachings of the present method.According to this embodiment, a tile installation fixture 170 comprisesa first connector type. According to this embodiment, the firstconnector type comprises a receptacle 175 having an opening orienteddownward relative to the installation position of tile 170. According tothis embodiment, receptacle 175 comprises a triangular shaped openingthat is capable of accepting at least one prong. Generally, this prongcomprises a second and complementary connector type comprising yetanother embodiment of the tile installation fixture.

FIG. 8 is a perspective diagram that depicts the direct connection of afirst tile installation fixture to a second tile installation fixtureaccording to the teachings of the is present invention. According to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first end of a secondtile installation fixture 180 comprises a second connector type.According to this embodiment, the second connector type comprises aprong 190 that is compatible with receptacle 175 of a first tileinstallation fixture 170.

FIG. 9 is a perspective diagram that depicts the direct attachment of afirst border to a second border by means of complementary connectorscomprising each of said borders. According to this illustrative usecase, first tile installation fixture 170 is directly attached to secondtile installation fixture 180. The first tile installation fixtureincludes a first connector type, for example receptacle 175 (notspecifically visible in this figure) and the second tile installationfixture 180 comprises a second connector type that is complementary tothe first connector type. According to an exemplary embodiment, thesecond connector type comprises a prong 190. As the two tileinstallation fixtures are connected to each other, extensions to theirrespective borders 150 form a fascia between the two borders.

Alternative Embodiments

While this invention has been described in terms of several preferredembodiments, it is contemplated that alternatives, modifications,permutations, and equivalents thereof will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and study of thedrawings. It is therefore intended that the true spirit and scope of thepresent invention include all such alternatives, modifications,permutations, and equivalents.

1. A method for installing a tile comprising the steps of: providing asupport within the footprint of and proximate to the outer perimeter ofthe tile; providing a first border along a first edge of the tile;providing a second border along a second edge of the tile wherein thesecond edge is substantially orthogonal to the first edge.
 2. The methodof claim 1 further comprising maintaining the position of the firstborder relative to the second border.
 3. The method of claim 2 whereinmaintaining the position of the first border relative to the secondborder comprises: connecting a first end of the first border to a crosstie; and orthogonally connecting a first end of the second border to thecross tie.
 4. The method of claim 2 wherein maintaining the position ofthe first border relative to the second border comprises connecting afirst end of the first border to a first end of the second border. 5.The method of claim 2 wherein maintaining the position of the firstborder relative to the second border comprises: providing a connector ata first end of the first border; providing a complimentary connector ata first end of the second border; and connecting the complimentaryconnector to the connector.
 6. The method of claim I further comprisingproviding a fascia between the first border and the second border. 7.The method of claim 6 wherein providing a fascia comprises: extendingthe first border to a tapered transition line; and extending the secondborder to the tapered transition line.
 8. The method of claim 1 whereinthe step of providing a support within the footprint of the tilecomprises the step of providing a ledge along the first border.
 9. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the step of providing a border comprisesproviding a raised surface along a support ledge.
 10. A tileinstallation fixture, comprising: a tile support rail; and a borderdisposed collinearly with said tile support rail, said tile support railincluding at least one substantially L-shaped ledge adapted to run alongsaid border, said at least one substantially L-shaped ledge being lowerin elevation than said border, said border incorporating a raisedsurface adapted to run along said tile support rail and at least onesubstantially tapered fascia extension projecting beyond said at leastone substantially L-shaped ledge.
 11. The tile installation fixture ofclaim 10, wherein said at least one substantially tapered fasciaextension includes on one side at least one groove connector.
 12. Thetile installation fixture of claim 14, wherein said at least one grooveconnector is adapted to mate with at least one tongue connector on across-tie.
 13. The tile installation fixture of claim 12 wherein thefascia extension extends to an imaginary tapered extension lineextending outward from the end of the support rail.
 14. The tileinstallation fixture of claim 10 wherein the support rail comprises aledge along the border that is lower in elevation than said border. 15.The tile installation fixture of claim 10 wherein the border is a raisedsurface along the support rail.